In its early going, the 2010 Voodoo Fest is notable for what’s lacking: Mud. In years past, monsoons just before and during the festival rendered the grounds a swampy mess. According to legend, ducks were swimming in the Preservation Hall Tent two days before gates opened last year.

But today the grounds are dry, the skies are clear, and the weekend forecast is free of rain. If you’re coming out later tonight, pack a sweater or jacket – the temperature is dropping with the sun, and night air in the park is damp.

An early prediction: The new Le Plur electronic music area will be packed all weekend. Early Friday afternoon, many more bodies were clustered at that stage for the deejay Rusko than were at either of the main stages. Le Plur, tucked alongside a lagoon near the entrance to the festival grounds, is technically a secondary stage. But several of its dance music headliners – especially deadmau5, on Sunday night – could easily have occupied a main stage.

Grub report, vol. 1: Voodoo has beefed up its eats this year, with a couple dozen restaurants serving up plates and sandwiches ranging from $5 to $12. A big slice of gourmet pizza seemed a bit overpriced at $8; for $2 more, you could feast on a chicken shawarma plate from Mona’s, complete with salad, hummus and pita bread.